As families reach for ice cream and lollies, Protexin, the premium pet gut health brand, wants to ensure nobody is left out of the sunshine celebrations. They are sharing three delicious, vet-approved and gut-friendly frozen treat recipes designed for the whole family to make and enjoy together. These recipes are a great way to make sure your dog stays cool.
Dogs can’t sweat through their skin like we do; they rely almost entirely on panting to lower their temperature. When a dog licks a frozen treat, the cold transfers directly through their tongue and mouth, acting like an express internal cooling system. Even better, the steady, repetitive action of licking triggers a natural calming response in their brain, lowering their heart rate and keeping them relaxed.
By making treats from scratch, families also avoid hidden summer hazards like excessive sugars, ensuring every ingredient actively champions their pet’s well-being.
Sam Booth, Veterinary Advisor at Protexin, says:
“Sharing hot weather treats like ice lollies with your dog may seem tempting but making something from scratch means everyone gets a treat that’s safe and healthy. Shop-bought human ice lollies can contain hidden dangers, like xylitol – an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
“The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a refreshing summer reward and your dog’s digestive health. These frozen recipes offer a brilliant, safe treat using simple, whole ingredients that actively support the guts of owners and pets alike. Maintaining a balanced diet by using a daily targeted probiotic supplement is a great way to build long-term digestive resilience all year round.”
Gut-friendly treats for the family – including your four-legged friend!
All recipes make 4 to 6 lollies depending on mould size. Silicone moulds work best for a clean release. Freeze overnight.
Watermelon and Mint Refresher lollies
An exceptionally hydrating option that combines crisp watermelon with a touch of fresh mint to soothe the digestive tract.
Ingredients:
- 200g fresh watermelon (completely deseeded)
- 200ml plain greek yogurt
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves.
Method: Ensure all seeds are removed from the watermelon. Blend the watermelon flesh, kefir and mint leaves together until completely smooth. Pour into moulds and freeze.
Why it works for gut health: Watermelon is roughly 92% water, making it excellent for maintaining the cellular hydration required for a healthy gut. Mint has natural calming properties, meaning it helps soothe the lining of the digestive tract and settles minor stomach upset. Greek yogurt is full of beneficial gut bacteria, make sure to stick to unflavoured and unsweetened.
Berry Bites
Vibrant and antioxidant-loaded these function perfectly as bite-sized rewards for dogs and an elegant, refreshing palate cleanser for humans.
Ingredients:
50g fresh blueberries
50g fresh strawberries
200ml plain kefir
Method: Blend the berries and kefir together until smooth. The ripe strawberries provide all the natural sweetness humans enjoy while keeping the recipe completely safe and low-sugar for dogs. Pour into ice cube trays or small silicone bite moulds and freeze.
Why it works for gut health: Both blueberries and strawberries are exceptionally rich in polyphenols. These plant compounds act as a fuel source for beneficial microbes in the large intestine, supporting overall microbiome diversity. Plain, unflavoured kefir, a fermented milk drink, is packed with live probiotic cultures support a diverse gut microbiome.
Apple and coconut hydration lolly
These lollies are ideal for dogs who are sensitive to dairy and need a refreshing option on a hot day.
- Ingredients:
2 apples (completely cored and deseeded)
200ml unsweetened coconut water.
Method: Thoroughly core and deseed the apples, chop into chunks, and blend with the coconut water until smooth. Pour into your moulds and freeze.
Why it works for gut health: Apples contain pectin, a structural soluble fibre that acts as a prebiotic and helps maintain a stable intestinal barrier. Unsweetened coconut water provides a natural balance of electrolytes to assist fluid absorption during warm weather.
* Please note if pets have underlying health conditions, then they may not be suitable.
We also have top tips from Sam for keeping your dog cool this bank holiday:
1. Slow down the cooldown: use frozen treats to prevent water gulping
When dogs get uncomfortably warm, they may try to drink a lot of water quickly. However, gulping down large volumes of liquid causes them to swallow excess air, which can trigger gastric discomfort or bloating. To hack their hydration safely, try offering homemade dog friendly frozen treats like the ones featured. This forces them to lap slowly, cooling them from the inside out.
2. Walk at cooler times and increase stimulation with other activities
Never exercise your dog during peak UV hours. Limit outdoor activity strictly to the early morning or late evening when temperatures drop. You can also take a shorter walk and substitute with indoor scent sniffing or a puzzle feeder. Mental stimulation provides excellent enrichment without the risk of heatstroke.
3. Check if your pet needs suncream
Dogs with white fur, pink skin or thin coats (such as Whippets and Dalmatians) are susceptible to sunburn and long-term skin damage. However, you must never use human sunscreen as they often contain zinc oxide and salicylates which if licked off can be harmful to your pet. To keep your dog’s skin protected, always select a specialised, vet-approved, pet-safe sunscreen.
4. Manage long-distance travel carefully
Avoid travelling long distances in hot cars with your pet over the bank holiday weekend. Even with the air conditioning running, unexpected traffic delays can cause internal vehicle temperatures to rise, causing distress. If the journey is unavoidable, ensure you use physical window shades to block direct sunlight, run the AC continuously and carry a thermal flask of fresh, cool water for frequent hydration breaks.
5. Check artificial lawns
Pressing the back of your hand firmly to the ground to ensure it won’t burn paw pads applies to your garden lawns as well as tarmac. Artificial grass is made from synthetic polymers that absorb heat rapidly and retain it much longer than natural turf. On a hot day, artificial lawns can quickly exceed temperatures comfortable for bare paws, so always check the surface before letting your dog out to play.
